Crocodile caught at Teluk Bahang beach

 

The three-hour operation nearly failed when the crocodile bit through a net and escaped.

Twenty civil defence personnel were deployed after a member of the public reported spotting the reptile at 3.30pm today. (APMM pic)

GEORGE TOWN:

 A 3.6m crocodile was captured in Teluk Bahang today after a 1.3km stretch of the beach was closed following its sighting.

Aizat Ghani.

Northeast district civil defence officer Aizat Ghani said 20 rescue personnel were deployed after a member of the public reported spotting the reptile at 3.30pm.

The team attempted to wade into the sea to capture it but was forced to retreat due to choppy conditions.

“Later, a group of local fishermen came forward and helped us. Using nets, they managed to lasso the crocodile and bring it to shore at about 6.10pm,” he said.

The operation nearly failed when the crocodile bit through a net and escaped, but it was eventually subdued.

The animal has since been handed over to the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan) for further action.

Teluk Bahang is the island’s most visited public beach after Batu Ferringhi. - FMT